One of the biggest benefits of e-learning is the flexibility it offers, learners anywhere around the world can all become a part of the same course and learning community. With all of this flexibility and the ability to cater to each learner’s preferred learning style, most e-learning course strategies are divided into what is known as synchronous and asynchronous learning categories. While the best strategy for each individual student depends on their preferred learning method, both of these strategies have their strengths and weaknesses. The most successful e-learning courses create a combination that incorporates the use of both synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.
What is Synchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning, in online courses, refers to any learning environment where everyone participates at the same time (even if from different locations). A good example of synchronous learning in a traditional classroom is lectures, where everyone is face-to-face at the same place and time. Thanks to the numerous advancements in technology, online education now offers many options for incorporating synchronous learning into online e-learning courses. These options are mainly in the form of tools and features which allow e-learning course designers to construct learning environments where everyone, teachers and students, can take part at the same time.
Synchronous learning in e-learning courses allows for the free exchange of information between learners and instructors in real-time. It also helps alleviate many of the feelings of isolation faced by learners in online courses. Although, the drawback is that since it takes place in real-time, learners in different time zones or who have busy schedules may have difficulty in readjusting their schedules in order to participate.
Which LMS Features are the Most Important for Supporting Synchronous eLearning?
Many of the most successful e-learning courses incorporate the use of both synchronous and asynchronous learning methods, however, there are certain LMS features which are more important than others when it comes to supporting synchronous e-learning.
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